Scripps College receives $5.5 million gift

CLAREMONT - The Sidney J. Weinberg, Jr. Foundation recently gave Scripps College a $5.5 million gift.

The gift, according to a news release, is in anticipation of a significant fundraising initiative and will produce a variety of benefits for the college.

"Scripps College's future is bolder because of the foresight and generosity of our valuable trustees," said president Lori Bettison-Varga in a Feb. 26 statement.

"Betsy Weinberg Smith is a committed alumna who exemplifies the qualities of Scripps graduates with her passion for making a difference. This key gift from the Weinberg Foundation to Scripps College will make an impact on the lives of young women for generations to come."

Trustee Elizabeth "Betsy" Smith, according to the release, is following the legacy of her father Sidney J. "Jim" Weinberg, Jr. Weinberg was the chair emeritus of the Scripps College Board of Trustees until his death in 2010.

The Weinberg Foundation pledged $3 million to Scripps College and $2 million to Claremont McKenna College for the W.M. Keck Science Department to establish The Weinberg Family Dean of Science Endowment Fund.

Since 1995, Smith has served as a Scripps trustee and is currently is co-vice chair of the board.

"Scripps College is one of the truly great institutions in American higher education today and worthy of the full commitment and support of our alumnae, parents and friends, not only in Southern California but throughout the country and abroad," Smith said in a statement.

"It is my hope that our family gift will set an example to all who love Scripps College, especially those on the East Coast and elsewhere, whose lives have taken us away from Claremont. May Scripps always be close to our hearts and minds."

Smith and college officials are discussing plans for the gift, including the college's endowment fund.

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